Each of us has had bruises at some time in our life. Bruises are usually caused by a bump or impact that breaks blood vessels under the skin. If the skin does not break, the blood builds up and forms a bruise, which can vary in size and color, but is usually quite unsightly to the eye and soft to the touch. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce its appearance and, even better, its appearance. Start reading this article to find out how.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Reduce the Appearance of Bruises
Step 1. Make a cold pack
Cools the area when an accident occurs, so you limit any swelling and minimize the stain.
- The dark color is due to the blood leaking from the broken blood vessels. The application of a cold pack helps to reduce bleeding, thus also reducing the dark spot.
- To make a cold pack, take a couple of ice cubes wrapped in a clean towel, or even a bag of frozen food. Keep it on the bruised area for 10 minutes, then give the skin a 20-minute break before reapplying.
Step 2. Rest and lift the affected area
Right after the injury, try to lift the injured body part above the level of the heart.
- This will help reduce blood flow to the affected area, which will become less dark.
- If the wound is on the leg, try placing it on the back of a chair or resting it on a pile of pillows. If it is on the arm, place it on an armrest or on the back of the sofa.
Step 3. Use the arnica gel
It is a plant belonging to the sunflower family, whose extract is used to reduce inflammation and swelling due to bruises and sprains.
Arnica is available in gel, ointment and cream and can be found in almost all parapharmacies and herbalists. Just rub it a little on the bruise, according to the instructions on the package
Step 4. Take pain relieving medications
Severe bruises can be painful, especially when the wound is fresh. You can relieve pain and swelling by taking certain pain relievers, such as acetaminophen.
However, you should avoid aspirin or ibuprofen because these drugs thin the blood, leading to an increase in blood flow to the bruise and consequently increasing its size and color
Step 5. Apply a warm compress to facilitate healing
When the bruise has deflated (24 to 48 hours after injury) you should switch from cold to warm packs.
- Warm compresses increase blood flow to the area, thereby helping to drain any blood that has accumulated.
- To make a warm compress, you can use an electric warmer, a bottle full of hot water, or a clean towel dipped in warm water. Apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
Step 6. Try home remedies
Many of these remedies appear to be effective in reducing the appearance of bruises. Among the best are the following:
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Chopped parsley leaves:
Blend a handful of parsley leaves and apply the mixture on bruised skin. This herb is believed to have the property of reducing inflammation and bruise color.
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Vinegar:
Add a tablespoon of vinegar to some hot water to make a warm compress. Vinegar appears to increase blood flow to the surface of the skin, thereby helping the bruise to heal.
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St. John's wort oil:
Rub some of this oil directly on the bruise several times a day to prevent stains and to heal damaged tissues.
Step 7. Determine when to see a doctor
Although most bruises heal on their own and disappear within a couple of weeks, in some cases bruising can be a symptom of a more serious situation or condition. Therefore, you should see your doctor if:
- The bruise is extremely painful and the skin around it is swollen.
- It appears suddenly, for no apparent reason.
- You're taking blood thinning medications.
- You can't move a joint near the bruise (this may be a sign of a bone fracture).
- The bruise is found on the head or face.
Method 2 of 2: Preventing Bruises
Step 1. Modify your diet
Follow a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to have a healthier body overall and heal faster. In particular, vitamins C and K are important in preventing bruises.
- Vitamin C reduces bruises by strengthening the walls of the capillaries, which in this way break with less difficulty when hit. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, strawberries, pepper, and multivitamin tablets.
- Vitamin K promotes blood clotting, helping bruises heal faster. Good sources of vitamin K are broccoli, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts.
Step 2. Monitor children to make sure they are playing safely
They often fall, get injured by falling off their bicycles, hit each other, run with objects in their hands, and it is very easy for them to have accidents that cause bruising. The best way to prevent them from getting hurt is to stop them from playing too violently.
- Always check your baby's protective equipment. Make sure it is suitable and comfortable to protect it from bruises in sports or outdoors.
- Put padding on the sharp edges of furniture and coffee tables. You may also want to think about moving them when the baby is playing.
- Also make sure he is wearing suitable shoes to protect his feet. High ankle shoes provide good support to avoid foot bruises.
Step 3. Check with your doctor if the medication you are taking may be responsible for your bruising
Some medications (such as aspirin) thin the blood, so any small bump on the skin can cause a bruise. Your doctor can adjust the dosage of the drug or give you some advice on how to reduce the bruising.
Step 4. Rearrange the furniture
Move furniture and objects around the house so that it becomes more difficult to bump into or even fall over. All paths in the house should be clear of all obstacles.
Step 5. Avoid being in the sun for too long
The sun can damage the skin and facilitate bruising.
- This is especially true for older people, whose skin is naturally thinner and therefore more sensitive.
- It is therefore important to always wear sunscreen (especially on the face) and long-sleeved hats and t-shirts to minimize sun exposure.
Step 6. Dress in layers
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you can, this creates an extra layer of protection for your skin when you get a bump or blow.
Step 7. Be cautious when playing sports
Wear knee pads, helmet, shin guards and protective equipment when doing contact activity. By taking these preventative measures you will reduce bruising in case of blows and bumps.
Advice
- Paracetamol can help with the pain of a severe bruise.
- In general, women are more likely to bruise than men, as well as older people than younger people. Some people bruise more than others, due to hereditary factors, or because of the medication they are taking.
